5.0 from 24 votes
Fried Tofu
Whether you're entertaining or relaxing, this recipe hits the spot.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 170 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce/400g) block of extra-firm tofu
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (DO NOT sub with arrowroot powder, or it will get gummy)
- 3 tablespoons neutral-flavored cooking oil (see Note 2)
Instructions
- Drain the tofu. Slice the blocks lengthwise into 4 slabs. Press the tofu for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Slice each slab in half, lengthwise, so you have 8 slabs. From there, cut the tofu into ½” cubes.
- Add tofu cubes to a large bowl. Sprinkle tofu with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, several cracks of pepper, and add the cornstarch. Toss gently with your hands (or a silicone spatula) to avoid breaking tofu.
- Heat a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat with the oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the tofu. Push the tofu around in the oil to evenly coat in one layer. Fry until golden brown on the bottom, 6 to 7 minutes. Take a minute or two to carefully flip each piece with a thin spatula (an angled silicone spatula is very helpful!). Cook on the second side until golden brown on the bottom, about 5 minutes.NOTE: some pieces may stick together due to the starch, but they are easy to pull apart (and it makes flipping the tofu a bit easier).
- Transfer tofu to a paper towel lined surface to blot away excess oil. Push tofu pieces together and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- For flavor variations, see Variations section in the blog post.
- You can reduce the amount of oil to 2 tablespoons. 3 tablespoons of oil gives you super crispy tofu, but it’s still delicious with just 2 tablespoons. I typically use avocado oil, but any neutral-flavored oil or even olive oil works fine.
Nutrition Information
Calories
170kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
7g
(2%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Sodium
343mg
(14%)
Potassium
153mg
(4%)
Fiber
0.2g
(1%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Calcium
31mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 170
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 170kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Sodium | 343mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 153mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.